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To rotate prerecorded videos on a 24/7 YouTube channel, put the files in an OBS playlist, enable Loop Playlist, and send OBS’s output to YouTube Live using a stream key. The playlist controls what plays; the encoder creates and sends the live broadcast. A YouTube playlist by itself does not create a continuous live stream.
What you need before setting up the rotation
- A YouTube channel eligible to stream live. YouTube says the channel must be verified and have no recent live-streaming restrictions. First-time live-stream enablement may take up to 24 hours. YouTube live streaming tips – Computer
- OBS Studio and the VLC Video source for a multi-file playlist. OBS documents the source’s playlist and loop controls in its Media Sources guide.
- Video files you are entitled to broadcast. Having a video in a YouTube playlist, or having access to a file, does not by itself establish permission to rebroadcast it. Check the applicable rights and YouTube requirements before going live; StreamNeo also provides a copyright safety checklist.
- A stable internet connection with enough upload capacity, plus time to test and monitor the broadcast.
Set up a rotating playlist in OBS
- Open OBS and add a VLC Video source to the scene you intend to stream. Add the video files to that source’s playlist.
- Set the playlist order. Leave Shuffle Playlist off for a predictable sequence, or turn it on if you want OBS to randomize playback.
- Enable Loop Playlist. OBS describes this control as restarting the source when it has run out of media files.
- Check that the source is visible in the active scene. OBS’s documented visibility behavior stops playback when the source is not visible and restarts it when it becomes visible. Switching scenes or hiding the source can therefore affect playback.
- Play the scene and check that the files advance, repeat at the end, and have the audio and video you expect. Test the whole sequence before relying on it for a long broadcast.
If you are looping only one file rather than rotating several, OBS’s Media Source has its own Loop control. That is separate from the VLC Video source’s Loop Playlist setting.
Connect OBS to YouTube Live
- In YouTube Studio, open the Live Control Room and create or schedule a live stream. YouTube’s encoder instructions explain the setup process: Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder.
- Copy YouTube’s stream URL and stream key into OBS’s streaming configuration. The key is a credential that lets YouTube accept the encoder’s feed, so keep it private. If it is exposed, replace it in YouTube rather than continuing to use a compromised key.
- Start streaming from OBS, then check the Live Control Room preview. Confirm that the expected video and audio are arriving before you make the stream public or tell viewers it is live.
- Watch the stream after launch. Check video, audio, and YouTube’s stream-health indicators, and be ready to respond if the encoder or connection fails.
Choose stream settings and protect upload headroom
Use YouTube’s encoder settings guidance for the resolution, frame rate, bitrate, and other settings appropriate to your source and connection. YouTube recommends RTMPS for the ingestion connection, a two-second keyframe interval, and says not to exceed four seconds. See Choose live encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions.
YouTube recommends upload bandwidth with 20% headroom above the total stream bitrate. That margin helps leave capacity beyond the stream itself; it is a recommendation, not a guarantee against connection problems. Test from the location and network you will use, and monitor the broadcast rather than assuming a successful initial test ensures continuous operation. YouTube streaming tips
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Plan for continuity and replays
With OBS running locally, the computer, OBS, playlist files, and network connection all need to remain available for playback to continue. YouTube recommends testing and continued monitoring, so a local setup should include a plan for noticing and fixing interruptions.
Decide separately whether you need an archive. YouTube says streams under 12 hours can be automatically archived, while a stream longer than 12 hours may not be captured at all. A 24/7 broadcast should not be treated as a guaranteed single replay. If a replay matters, plan shorter sessions that fit the stated archive window or arrange a separate recording workflow. YouTube: Archive live streams
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Or let it run in the cloud
With StreamNeo, upload your prerecorded video or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. StreamNeo plays uploaded videos to YouTube from the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. It supports video as uploaded up to 4K 60fps at one price per slot, automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream, and includes a first day free with no card. Monthly: $9.99 per month. In India, UPI works as well as cards; card checkout is available worldwide. See StreamNeo pricing, or start the free day on StreamNeo.
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